Constantia Glen
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Constantia, the oldest wine-producing region in South Africa dating back to 1685, offers some of the finest wine farms in Cape Town. There are 9 wine estates in the region and each provides a unique wine experience. One of which is Constantia Glen. Constantia Glen is a family-owned boutique wine estate and is one of the youngest wine-producing farms in the region. This wine estate is known for its exceptional, ultra-premium, cool climate Bordeaux-style red and white wines.
Constantia Glen is cradled between the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain ranges, just below the Constantia Nek. It is only 20 minutes away from the Cape Town city centre. The estate covers 60 hectares, with 30 hectares allotted for the vineyard. It is situated at an altitude of 130 – 270 metres above sea level and offers sweeping views over the Constantia Valley.
Constantia Glen is also widely regarded as one of the country’s finest natural areas in which to produce premium wine. Cold maritime breezes from the Atlantic, directly off False Bay, regulate the annual average temperature at a mild 16⁰C. Dryland cultivation under these cool climatic conditions results in slow ripening and flavour concentration of exceptional grape quality. Constantia Glen’s unique position in the predominantly northeast-facing slopes also allows for longer exposure to late afternoon sun, which is ideal for the slow ripening of the grapes used in making crisp white wines and fresh, vibrant reds. The dominant soil types in Constantia Glen are decomposed granite and Table Mountain sandstone. These soil types lend minerality and graceful character to Constantia Glen wines. The high water retention of the rich clay sub-soils also allows for sustainable dryland cultivation. The high-quality produce of Constantia Glen truly sets Constantia region apart from other South African wine-producing areas.
History
Constantia Glen is a landscape with a rich viticulture history. The property was acquired in the late 1950s and is the oldest privately owned farm in the valley. But the area used to be overgrown by pine trees because wine farming in the estate did not start until the late 1990s. After carrying out as many as 160 soil analysis in profiles of up to 3 meters deep, the first tranche of vines were planted in 2000. This marked Constantia Glen’s journey towards creating world-class wines.
Wines
Constantia Glen produces up to 100,000 wine bottles per annum. About one-third of the Constantia Glen wine farm is dedicated to white grapes (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), while the rest is for red grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec).
Consistent with their commitment to producing high-quality wines through strict crop control and to foster growth through sustainability and integrity, the estate produces 4 wines, namely, Constantia Glen Five; Constantia Glen Two; Constantia Glen Three; and Constantia Glen Sauvignon blanc.
The Constantia Glen Five is the estate’s Flagship wine. It is a classic Constantia blend of the five archetypal Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot. The Constantia Glen Two, on the other hand, is a barrel fermented wine which is a rich and concentrated blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The combination of oak and tropical fruit flavours with a well-integrated minerality makes Constantia Glen Two an elegant wine with exceptional balance and length and fantastic aging potential. The Constantia Glen Three is a classic Constantia blend of the three most revered Bordeaux varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of freshness, impeccable balance, and great length. This classically-styled Sauvignon blanc is a rich combination of tropical fruit flavours with a well-integrated minerality.
These wines are made with perfectly ripened grapes that are hand harvested, meticulously sorted and batch vinified. The wines are made exclusively from grapes that have ripened, vinified and bottled at the winery. They are characterized by the typical features of the unique terroir of Constantia Glen, which produces elegant, multi-layered wines. The Constantia Glen red wines are matured in French oak barrels from various pots to achieve the widest possible range of flavors.
In the quest for the highest quality and the gentlest possible processing, Constantia Glen have designed a technically-equipped cellar so that they do not rely on the use of pumps during the entire production process, except pumping during fermentation. Also, the wines are transported only by gravity.
Wine Tasting
Constantia Glen is for the people who enjoy the good and the beautiful. They welcome everyone to their estate for an exceptional wine tasting experience and tasty delicacies.
The Tasting room at Constantia Glen was designed and created by the internationally renowned South African star architect Graham Viney. He made sure that the tasting room has the perfect ambiance for an enjoyable tasting of the high-quality Constantia Glen wines. From the delightful terrace amidst the vineyards, you will have breathtaking panoramic views of the southern foothills of Table Mountain, False Bay, and the Constantia Valley. The Tasting room also serves light meals, tapas, and platters. Whether you like to start your day with a delicious breakfast, enjoy a filling lunch or have dinner as the sun sets over outstretched vineyards, the Constantia Glen tasting room is the perfect setting.
Their staffs will gladly advise you on tasting the Constantia Glen wines and spoil you with culinary delicacies. You can also take Constantia Glen wines or order them for delivery in the attached wine shop. The Constantia Glen wine tasting is surely an unforgettable experience.
They are open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays to Fridays and until 20:00 on Saturdays. They are closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. Tasting costs range from R45 to R90 per person.
A visit to Cape Town will not be complete without tasting the elegant, complex and beautifully balanced Bordeaux blends of Constantia Glen.
